DOCTORS in Redditch and Bromsgrove along with GPs across all of Worcestershire, are changing the way general practice operates due to the continuing coronavirus crisis.
Dr Jonathan Wells, GP Primary Care lead for Covid-19 across the county said: “We understand patients are anxious, however the changes we are making are because we want to keep the public and NHS staff safe and well.
“Anyone needing an appointment will first be spoken to on the phone or via video.
This will help to protect vulnerable patients, staff and the wider population.
For the vast majority of cases, this will be sufficient to diagnose and advise on the issue.
“Face-to-face consultations will be rare and only offered if it is felt important in determining a patient’s management or for an intervention, for example to take a blood test.”
The GP, who practices at Hill View Medical Centre in Redditch added: “If a face-to-face appointment is considered essential, patients may be asked to attend a surgery at a different location to the one you are used to.
“Please rest assured that your notes will be securely accessible from the new location.
“The changes are necessary given the serious situation we are facing and to ensure that GP services are as resilient as possible during the crisis period.
“We ask you to please play your part to enable the NHS to play theirs.”
He added it was vitally important that the public continues to follow Government advice regarding hand washing and self-isolation / social distancing. For full details, visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
